Tag Archives: booties

Fall wardrobe planning continues! Last week, Ms. S&C highlighted a few favorite items from Anthropologie. This week, she’s sharing items from another one of her favorite retailers: Banana Republic.

With the help of the Give & Get 30% off special, Ms. S&C was able to *get* the below items (and *give* a percentage of the sale to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society). I know what you’re thinking: everything is gray and black. Where is the color, Ms. S&C? Where is the boldness? Where is the glamour, you speak of? Why is everything so…so business casual?

Ms. S&C’s fall wardrobe picks: items that are versatile
and so much more.

While Ms. S&C does want to infuse some glamour in her wardrobe, another important element is versatility: the ability to mix and match (and the ability to wear the items to work). Accessories are, of course, another major element: shoes, bags, belts, statement jewelry, fun scarfs, gloves, and tights. (Good lord, don’t forget the tights!) Textured or printed tights can transform the ruffle skirt (though, it is silk and pretty fabulous on its own) into something spectacular. A studded belt can help give the herringbone jacket some edge. And, a bold printed scarf up top, those leggings (and the chic suede booties) on bottom — you can put together a kick ass outfit.

Ms. S&C wants to know: What do you like for this fall? What items do you want in your closet this season?

Last week’s Project Runway took an interesting spin on the wedding dress. Instead of creating a dress for a new bride, designers were challenged to transform an old wedding dress into a new fashionable post-divorce look.

Many of the designers spoke about this challenge being a “fresh start” for the divorcees — out with the old and in with the new, so to speak. Those moments were thoughtful and considerate. But, what I really enjoyed was Michael Kors. Miss Mojito recapped an episode last week, and she thanked the fashion gods for bringing him back on the show. I, too, want to thank the fashion gods. He is responsible for such fierce and fabulous quotes — but, the whole episode was chock-full of them. Here are some of my faves:

“So, you specifically did not ask for Octoberfest?”– Heidi Klum on Epperson’s beer maid/pirate’s wench design

“Where are the beer signs?” – Michael Kors on Logan’s look, after Heidi said she was having another Octoberfest moment

“You don’t want her to look like a cougar.” – Tim Gunn on Christopher’s dress

Irina was still on the top of her game. She was a close second with her “age appropriate, sleek and expensive-looking” dress. It was quite lovely and sophisticated, and something I could see Helen Mirren wearing. But, it was Gordana, a divorcee herself, who won. And, it was Epperson who was sent home.

Gordana transformed an old wedding dress into
an edgy and chic design

What shoes to wear with Gordana’s edgy and chic design? I thought the dress was pretty awesome, probably the best item she’s made all season. It was hip, wearable, flattering, and a great color. We need something equally edgy and chic for the shoe pairing. I know I pair booties with a lot of PR designs, but I just bought a pair myself, and I have to admit, I’m a fan. Those of you who are skeptical, trust me, they look much better on. So, I’m going with these DiorCannage Bow Ankle Booties. They have edgy cross-stitching, but also a delicate bow above the peep-toe.

About a month ago, Ms. S&C declared that the goal of her fall wardrobe was to dress boldly. In her original blog post, she highlighted a few trends that were catching her eye. Did she follow-through on her own advice? Yes, sort-of.

Below are some of her recent purchases. Obviously, there’s not a lot of bold color and flashy prints in this selection – with the exception of the bright cobalt clutch. She likes this sweet, satin bow clutch because it can brighten up a lot of outfits. She’ll take it out when she’s in distressed denim (or her new black denim), and when wearing the all-occasion black dress.

Biker chic accessories are a popular fall trend. Ms. S&C picked up this studded belt, which she’ll wear high-waisted over her numerous black and gray cardigans, to make them much more exciting.

As for shoes – Ms. S&C recently tossed a pair of black, peep-toe pumps from Nine West. She’d had them for at least five years, probably longer, and they showed their years. Replacing them was a necessity. She spotted these Nine West platforms when researching suede shoes for a reader, and she loves them. Her first day wearing them — a lady stopped her in Starbucks to comment.

Ms. S&C has been toying with buying a pair of booties for awhile now. She didn’t want anything too flashy, as she plans to wear them with shorter-length skirts/dresses and colorful tights. And, she didn’t want to spend a lot of money. She thinks she satisfied both requirements with these Report Dylan ankle boots.

While Ms. S&C likes trends, she prefers classic items with a long shelf-life. Not purposely, this mentality has transferred over to cocktail preferences of late. The drink in her hand on Friday’s, after work? It was a Tom Collins over the summer. For the early fall, it’s been the classic martini — or more specifically, the original-pre-Prohibition martini, which is currently called the Fifty-Fifty Martini. Confused? It’s the martini with equal parts gin and equal parts vermouth. Why the extra vermouth? Read Jason Wilson’s, WaPo columnist, article “Stirrings of a Better Martini,” or this article from NYT’ Shaken and Stirred column. Vermouth is good in cocktails,people. Use it.

Since there are so many variations of the martini, I find it’s easiest just to tell the bartender what I want in it, and how I want it prepared. For example, tonight, I’ll simply say, “Martini with equal parts gin and vermouth, up, with a twist. And, a dash of orange bitters, if you got ’em.” Please.

Me again, one of your most loyal followers! … I am seeing suede pumps everywhere now that we’re all in the “fall” mindset. …

Can you help me find a good fall colored suede pump for this season? I need it to go with a LOT of outfits, considering my dehydrated and parched discretionary budget!

Help!

Yours, KG

————————————-

Dear KG,

I’m loving suede shoes right now, including suede boots and booties. Really. I desperately want a pair (or pairs) for myself, and I’m finding too many options. I also need to be budget conscious (overspent at Anthropologie–and sadly, on too few items), so your question is a great one.

I don’t know about you, but I think I prefer suede shoes in warm neutral colors. Not sure why, but dark colored suede doesn’t work for me. Below are a few favorites I’ve come across. I think the tiered ruffled booties in nude ($69.95) are so adorable. They would look great with skirts and skinny jeans. I also really like the taupe rouched platforms ($69.95). They are both daytime and nighttime appropriate. I know they are open-toe too, but I’m not afraid to go open-toe year round these days. And, not to overdo it on the ruffles, but I like these suede boots in taupe ($79.95), and for one heck-of-a price.

If you are looking for a sexy statement shoe, how about these cut-out booties ($89.95)? They’re edgy, but not too extreme (except for the 4+ inch heel). If you’re looking for something more conservative, here are two other reliable brands with good options. The Ralph Lauren pumps ($98.00) are classic and come in a myriad of colors. The Nine West can’t-go-wrong peep-toe platforms ($89.00) are pretty great (I just wish they came in more colors–I want them in brown!).

Even if you do not choose any of the above, please report back when you make a decision on your fall suede shoes. I’d love to see them! Thanks so much for reading, and being one of our most loyal followers!

The goal for Ms. S&C’s fall wardrobe? To dress boldly. That means wearing color. And prints. Ms. S&C plans to brighten up her fall look with richly colored tights, footwear, and lipstick (in red, please). She’ll also add a dash of paisley and polka dots here and there. Read on for what has inspired Ms. S&C this season.

J.Crew’s fall collection has some of my favorite looks, including lots of vibrant-colored hosiery and footwear. Verdict is still out on the short neon socks though. Actually, no it is not, I don’t like them.

But, what fall trends are catching Ms. S&C’s eye?

Tights — the brighter, the bolder, the better. I have a few pairs leftover from last year: gray, black, and red (purchased originally for a holiday party), but I would like to add another bright color (maybe orange) and a textured or printed pair (like herringbone).

Shorter-length skirt — otherwise, what will you wear your tights with? This piece is primarily for weekend wear and travel, so get something that’s versatile, like this wool one I picked up at J.Crew. It goes without saying, it is easier on the wallet to buy one skirt and a few pair of tights, rather than vice versa.

Boyfriend/tomboy look — slouchy jeans, blazers, vests, long cardigans, and oxfords are still in. I already have a long, black cardigan and a gray vest (understand why I need color?), so I think I’ll invest in a new blazer. It will be good for work, good for the weekend, good for forever. It’s a classic piece. Now, only thing left to decide: corduroy or wool?

S&C Style Tip: When you’re talking about trends — less is more. Don’t go all biker or all boyfriend (i.e. don’t pair the studded shoes with the studded belt and the zippered pants.). Wear these things separately. I think you know this, but just in case. Trends, in my opinion, are best utilized sparingly, and when paired with classic pieces.

Kate Spade’s fall clothing line is funky and fun, but falls in the category of “aspirational-and-quite-possibly-unattainable buy.” However, I may be willing to trade my first born for the polka dot shirt and the quirky owl bag. I feel like I could channel my girl crush, Zooey Deschanel, with those pieces.

As for fall footwear, boots are still e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e. Ankle boots, suede boots, western boots (I’ve loved red cowboy boots ever since I saw them on Katie Holmes in Wonder Boys—Lucky Brand are pictured below), biker boots (these tall, and affordable, ones in black from Nine West are great), over-the-knee boots (a trend I plan to ignore by the way). However, we cannot live on boots alone, so other footwear can be embellished with ruffles and bows, studs, and straps (the Miz Mooz pair below have it all–color, interesting criss-cross straps, perfect rounded toe).

Ms. S&C wants to know: What do you think of these fall trends? Love ’em? Hate ’em? Never wear ’em? Would love to hear what new items you plan on having in your closet this season.

The TV-show-drink-and-shoe-pairings are in full swing over here at S&C. Project Runway is finally back from its hiatus, and the Project Runway Shoe Pairing has been resurrected. If you are new to S&C, the Project Runway Shoe Pairing is a reoccurring feature on the blog, where we recap the previous week’s episode and then pair spectacular shoes with the winning design. (Yes, S&C has an embarrassment of riches, in fresh content, right now.)

Project Runway is back and on Lifetime

The new season of Project Runway premiered last week. The show has not only moved from its home at Bravo to Lifetime, but from New York City to L.A. Fortunately, the PR family members are still in tact, with the delightful Tim Gunn, smashing Heidi Klum, snarky Michael Kors and under-appreciated Nina Garcia. Here are a few thoughts on episode one, also known as the Red Carpet Challenge:

Was it me, or was the first episode a bit over-the-top in the drama department? I mean, it is way too early for a designer breakdown, isn’t it? And, a breakdown over the Red Carpet Challenge? Every designer should come already prepared for one evening gown look. It is a gimme.

So glad that Tim Gunn and Michael Kors have not lost their sense of humor, and continue to deliver the best lines of the night. Faves include: Gunn describing one dress as “cruise-line cocktail,” and another as a “halter-diaper.” Kors describing Mitchell’s disaster as “a nightgown to wear at home with a glass of brandy.”

Biggest surprise may have been a calm, stable Lindsay Lohan, serving as guest judge, and contributing intelligent and thoughtful remarks.

There wasn’t a lot of time spent on the final runway designs (too many contestants), but Christopher wins (which seems about right), with his elegant yet sharp, hard on top and soft on bottom, perfect balance of edgy and pretty dress. I like it.

Off-the-wall Ari is out. Actually, I’m kind-of surprised they didn’t keep her around longer just to see more of her unconventional, highly-conceptual design methods. (That sounds a lot better than it actually is.)

Now, for the shoe pairing. Borrowing heavily from the judges’ comments (they described it better than I ever would), the dress is edgy and soft. Modern and classic. Pairing it with booties is the way to go.

With the high-style and contrasting textures, the dress feels like it was practically made to wear with hard-to-wear booties. If on the red carpet, a premium footwear designer is not out of the question. So, these satiny Gucci’s are my picks. I like how the shiny texture complements the upper material of the dress. Other top options include these asymmetric patent booties from Dolce and Gabbana and these caged open-toe ankle boots from Giuseppe Zanotti. Shoes, I can’t afford — oh, how I’ve missed you.

Here are some of Ms. S&C’s favorite finds in the worlds of shoes and cocktails.

New York Fashion Week was last week. I’m always a bit overwhelmed and underwhelmed by fashion weeks. There’s always so much coverage, and I never know what to read. Plus, there’s the whole never-in-my-lifetime-will-I-ever-afford-this-so-why-bother aspect. Well, I’m happy to report two things:

Fashion Washington covered fashion week via their FW Runway Report blog. It is a great digestible collection of photos, runway reports, backstage stories and fashion commentary. Note to self: need to tone arms and shoulders — lots of one-shoulder looks and fur coming in the fall.

Footwear News also spotlighted designers shoes. Subscription access prevents us from seeing a lot of the styles, but it appears platforms, booties and exotic prints will be popular in the fall. I particularly like the pointy platform booties from Oscar de la Renta.

And speaking of digestible, in last week’s Washington Post Food Section, Gastronomer columnist Andreas Viestad, shared a very interesting dessert cocktail using chili peppers. The Hot and Cold Whisky Chili Granita is definitely a contender for the S&C test kitchen. You can change the flavor depending on the chili pepper and spirit used. For example–for a smokier flavor, use chipotle peppers and single malt scotch; for something sweeter, use bourbon. The Whisky Chili Granita is described as something that could “wake up” guests after a long dinner. Cheers to that.

About Shoes & Cocktails

The blog dedicated to shoes, cocktails, and things related was created by Ms. ShoesandCocktails, a Washington, DC area resident, who lives with her husband and dog, and is surrounded by friends with good taste and a weakness for cocktails. Ms. S&C would love to hear from you, so feel free to contact her at: shoesandcocktails(at)yahoo(dot)com.

Miss Mojito also joins Ms. S&C as a contributor. Miss M is from Richmond, VA, and lives and breathes for the delightful Cuban cocktail from which she borrows her name.